Donna J. Thomas

Donna Jean Thomas, 76, of Shawnee, Kansas passed away Monday, May 21st, 2018 following her battle with Alzheimer's. Donna was born on May 13th, 1942 to William and Anna (Zedler) Lindsey in Yorktown, Texas. She grew up on a farm owned by her grandparents. The popular cheerleader graduated from Yorktown High School in 1960. She then attended Business College in Corpus Christi which prepared her to be a secretary for the State Commission for the Blind. The course of her life changed when she met Jerry Thomas, a young Navy man, in Beeville, TX. Donna and Jerry were married in her hometown on June 15th, 1963. During their newlywed years, they moved to California while he finished his time in the Navy.

In 1965, the couple moved to the Kansas City area for Jerry's job. Their marriage was blessed by the arrival of their son, Daryl, in 1967. It was completed in 1971 when their daughter, Dawn, was born. Donna kept plenty busy caring for her family and taking on other adventures. She taught preschool in the 70’s, cleaned houses in the 80’s, and taught Sunday school for years at the Overland Park Lutheran Church, where they were long-time members. She also served on the prayer chain and influenced her children by being a faithful tither. Donna volunteered in multiple places and served on the election board for many years. Jerry's job allowed them to travel to many places such as Hawaii, England, and Spain to name a few. Their trips were a highlight for her and her family.

She was certainly known for her love of gardening and flowers. Never one to shy away from a conversation, Donna left her mark on all who knew her with her lively personality. On every occasion she was dressed to perfection, taking great pride in her appearance. Her cards, that were filled with loving words and her cranberry nut cakes were eagerly anticipated during Christmas by many. Donna was preceded in death by her parents and only brother, William Lindsey II. She is survived by her husband Gerald Thomas; son Daryl (Lynn) Thomas; daughter Dawn (Roger) Waldo; grandson Cameron Waldo; granddaughter Lauren Waldo; grandson Christian Waldo; sister Margret Jendrzey; sister Dorcas (David) Kloss; and sister Cheryl Leist.

Family will receive visitors from 6:00-8:00 pm on Thursday, May 24th at Amos Family Funeral Home in Shawnee, Kansas. The funeral will be held at 10:00 am Friday, May 25th at Amos Family Funeral Home as well with burial to follow at Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Heart of America Chapter, 3846 W. 75th Street, Prairie Village, 66208.